SsangYong is a minor player in today’s market, but that hasn’t kept the Koreans from launching an electric-powered concept car for the upcoming Paris auto show. The e-XIV—a variation of SsangYong’s XIV family of concept cars—features proportions similar to the Nissan Juke, as well as LED head- and taillights, and roof-mounted solar panels to recharge the batteries. (We’re not convinced that the solar panels are anything more than a statement of intent.) Range anxiety is a non-issue thanks to a small gasoline engine that fires up when the batteries are depleted.

The XIV, if put into production, will place SsangYong in a new segment. The brand’s current lineup consists of several SUVs including the Actyon, the Rexton, the Kyron, and the Korando; a large van in the Rodius; and the Chairman luxury sedan. SsangYong’s styling often has been controversial, to say the least. In comparison to the rest of the brand’s lineup, the e-XIV is a surprisingly modest proposal.